self-destructive
adjective
self-de·struc·tive
ˌself-di-ˈstrək-tiv 
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
self-destructiveness
noun
Examples of self-destructive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Save the 45-year-old Tallman, the guys are all in their 50s, but their characters are still plenty destructive — especially self-destructive.
—
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Curtis loves his wife and children but is being overwhelmed by his self-destructive ways.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
However, this first challenge will also give him the perfect opportunity to test his new approach and figure out ways to get out of his own head without resorting to self-destructive behavior.
—Ernesto Cova, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Watch for self-destructive patterns that can emerge when stress goes unprocessed.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-destructive
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026
Meanwhile, Curtis loves his wife and children but is being overwhelmed by his self-destructive ways.
—Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 1 Apr. 2026
However, this first challenge will also give him the perfect opportunity to test his new approach and figure out ways to get out of his own head without resorting to self-destructive behavior.
—Ernesto Cova, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2026
Watch for self-destructive patterns that can emerge when stress goes unprocessed.
—Kirah Tabourn, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for self-destructive
Cite this Entry
“Self-destructive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-destructive. Accessed 4 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
self-destructive
adjective
self-de·struc·tive
-ˈstrək-tiv
: acting or tending to harm or destroy oneself
self-destructive behavior
also
: suicidal
self-destructively
adverb
self-destructiveness
noun
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
